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Don Ashton, founder of Newton Le Willows Blinds & Curtains, looks back at 30 years in the blinds industry.

How did you get started in the blinds & shutters industry?

I started in the industry in 1983 with the help from my mother and research in the blinds trade. I started from my home in Newton Le Willows by making blinds in the kitchen and garage with the help from my wife Marjorie, three son’s Colin, John, David and my daughter Christine.

After a few years we moved to a selection of units not far away from our home and gradually began to take on more staff and acquire more outlets including Warrington Market Stall, Wigan Market Stall and Leigh Market Stall. In 2005, we expanded to a 12,500 sq ft unit, which is now our main factory/showroom, and we are proud to say that we have a workforce of around 40 and still going strong.

How would you define the Newton Le Willows Blinds brand?

I would define our brand as a family run business. By family, I also mean the workforce, which includes our longest serving staff member of 25 years.

We pride ourselves in offering an outstanding service and supplying our customers with an extensive range of high quality products at our lowest possible prices.

There have been quite a few, but I think the greatest achievement would be experiencing countless recessions and the fact that we are still in business 30 years on.

Is there room for innovation in product offerings?

Yes, there is room for innovation with regards to product offering. I believe that there are a lot of new products out there. As a company we intend to explore all avenues to be able to fulfil our customers requirements in terms of their window covering and sun shading needs.

What does a typical workday involve?

Where to begin? A cup of tea I think! We need to ensure that our measurers/fitters are fully equipped for their day ahead of sales and fitting appointments. We also need to confirm that our factory staff and blind makers in all of our outlets are fully up to date with work. The rest of the day consists of continuous phone calls, answering emails, ordering of fabrics and having a good understanding and giving the best advice possible to our customers.

What can we expect in the future from Newton Le Willows Blinds & Curtains?

In the future, we aim to branch out into new and exciting areas as well as develop our trade section further.

This year we are celebrating our 30th year in business, and we aim to continue offering our customer’s in both retail and trade, a full range of high quality products starting from venetian blinds, to wooden shutters, awnings and motorised window blinds. We are looking forward to the start of the awning season and watching the development of new areas that we are venturing into such as motorised blinds and the home automation section.

How do you enjoy yourself away from work?

I like to spend time with my family, which consists of my lovely wife, three sons, daughter and their partners and my wonderful 10 grandchildren. I also enjoy my daily swim.